Tom Patri: Firing of Steve Williams just another page in Tiger Woods saga

Please tell me when will this soap opera end?! If it were a made-for-TV movie, no one would watch, because it's simply not believable.

In a little under two years the most dominant world No. 1 ever has not only fallen off the golf throne (and a steep fall indeed), but has basically destroyed several lives, leaving a carnage of innocent people behind him.

A beautiful wife, children, a loyal coach, and now what appeared to be his trusted caddie! He lost mega-millions in endorsements, crashed cars, hosted models (of sorts), and even a waitress from Perkins?

This guy actually held the world in the palm of his hand. He was the most recognizable golfer, if not athlete, this planet has ever known. That fact is what I think has damaged him the most is the exposure.

Imagine being exposed before your friends and family. It would be devastating. Now imagine being exposed to the entire planet. Consider how big his ego was, and being exposed in that manner. Yes, he was a very strong-willed competitor. However, when something that strong and that willful gets damaged, I'm not sure it can ever be repaired.

I don't believe Steve Williams was actually fired, per se. I think they got into it, and he walked. He is a strong-willed person himself (read between the lines) and probably had enough.

Tiger will play again. Several talented caddies will line up like bullriders at the rodeo, trying to tame if not reclaim the beast. There is no beast to tame, however. The beast is dead. Tiger is gone. Eldrick remains. Does that cat have another life? Tune in after "Days of Our Lives" and see.

One more point. If you're busy following the Tiger saga, you're missing some really wonderful golf on the PGA Tour. Those guys are putting on a great show this season.

Tom Patri gives lessons at the Quarry on Immokalee Road, but is at Friar's Head in New York from May-December. Patri is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher. Visit Patri's website at www.tompatri.com or email him at tpatri@mindspring.com.